Math Problem Statement

Determine the range of values of x that satisfy the inequality |(x+3)/x| ≥ |x/(2-x)|.

Solution

To solve the inequality

x+3xx2x,\left|\frac{x+3}{x}\right| \geq \left|\frac{x}{2-x}\right|,

we need to carefully analyze the absolute values and consider the domains where the expressions are defined. Here's the step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Define Domains of Validity

  • x+3x\frac{x+3}{x} is defined for x0x \neq 0.
  • x2x\frac{x}{2-x} is defined for x2x \neq 2.

Thus, the combined domain of the inequality is x0x \neq 0 and x2x \neq 2.

Step 2: Remove Absolute Values by Considering Cases

The inequality involves absolute values, so we need to split into cases based on the signs of the expressions inside the absolute values. The critical points are x=3x = -3, x=0x = 0, and x=2x = 2.

Case 1: x>2x > 2

  • x+3x>0\frac{x+3}{x} > 0 and x2x<0\frac{x}{2-x} < 0 since 2x<02 - x < 0.
  • The inequality x+3xx2x\left|\frac{x+3}{x}\right| \geq \left|\frac{x}{2-x}\right| becomes: x+3xx2x.\frac{x+3}{x} \geq -\frac{x}{2-x}. Solve this inequality.

Case 2: 0<x<20 < x < 2

  • x+3x>0\frac{x+3}{x} > 0 and x2x>0\frac{x}{2-x} > 0 since 2x>02 - x > 0.
  • The inequality becomes: x+3xx2x.\frac{x+3}{x} \geq \frac{x}{2-x}. Solve this inequality.

Case 3: 3<x<0-3 < x < 0

  • x+3x<0\frac{x+3}{x} < 0 and x2x<0\frac{x}{2-x} < 0, so the inequality remains: x+3xx2x.-\frac{x+3}{x} \geq -\frac{x}{2-x}. Simplify and solve.

Case 4: x<3x < -3

  • x+3x<0\frac{x+3}{x} < 0 and x2x>0\frac{x}{2-x} > 0 since 2x>02 - x > 0.
  • The inequality becomes: x+3xx2x.-\frac{x+3}{x} \geq \frac{x}{2-x}. Simplify and solve.

Step 3: Combine Solutions

After solving each case, combine the results while respecting the domain restrictions (x0x \neq 0 and x2x \neq 2).

Would you like me to explicitly solve each of these cases step by step?

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inequalities
Absolute Values
Domains of Functions
Case Analysis

Formulas

Absolute value property: |a| = a if a ≥ 0, and |a| = -a if a < 0
Solving rational inequalities: clearing denominators by considering sign changes

Theorems

Properties of absolute values
Domain restrictions for rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12